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Varban: Nest Idea (1. Jun 2007 18:46)

WEll since my messors dont feel like leaving the testube just yet, i figured i could toy around with the nest.

As you know i am using the following for my antfarm: http://www.antstore.net/shop/product_info.php/info/p430_Glass-basins-30x20x20-cm-with-panoramic-display.html

All 4 sides are filled with red sand/loam and normal mould on top. I was thinking to convert one of the sides into a ytong nest. On both ends of the block i will make connections so that when the ants feel they can start digging in to expand the nest, while on the same time having one side that the colony activity can be monitored.

Figured with messor barbarus it will be much interesting how the whole ant bread process goes and its storing.

So what you think? Also what material to use? I know most ppl use aerated concrete or y-tong but someone got experience with different materials? It has to be light and easy to carve out as it will only be about 2-3cm thick.

Varban: (1. Jun 2007 19:12)

I was thinking to use maybe plaster. It will be easy to mold. Question is about moisture. I know messors like dry land so maybe keep the plaster dry and the sand/loam around the plaster moist?

Anyone got opinions on styrofoam?

Varban: (2. Jun 2007 17:26)

Ok well since no one has opinions i went out and bought 3kg of plaster and a chiesel!
After making a huge mess i made this as you can see in the pic. I already put it in place. There are 5 chambers one main tunne going horizontally so that the ants can expand when they feel the need and start digging.

Problem is should i keep it moist? I know my messors like it dry and I will have water supplies above ground. Any thoughts?

Varban: (2. Jun 2007 18:14)

Well i removed the plaster. Looked way too artificial and ugly.
Guess i will have to hope they dig next to the glass so i can see how they make and store their antbread :)

JimmyVe: (2. Jun 2007 18:17)

Hi Varban, looks nice, but i think they are going to dig them self in the to the sand. maybe if the colony is big enough they will use the plaster nest.

Kale^^: (2. Jun 2007 21:50)

Well i removed the plaster. Looked way too artificial and ugly.
Guess i will have to hope they dig next to the glass so i can see how they make and store their antbread :)
They might make some tunnels next to the glass, but the queen will be in the middle, most probably..

darradar: (3. Jun 2007 16:18)

if you try again, add some sand to the plaster, it makes for a much more natural feel and look, I guess I added 25% sand to mine, (it changes the color of the plaster, so if you used that reddy sand you got, it will be much less ugly) if you look at my post in "Camponotus cruentatus help needed" you will see how I went about it, use some plastacine or modeling clay for the tunnels, it's far more effective.

Daraidar

Varban: (3. Jun 2007 20:13)

Cheers jimmy, kale and darradar :)
for now i decided i will let them dig the way the want. I mean i just have 1 worker so they wont move out of the test tube anytime soon i guess.

darradar: (3. Jun 2007 23:21)

well dont be so sure, you might wake up one mprning and find the queen and her first born have moved out.! you just never can tell... :lol:

JimmyVe: (4. Jun 2007 21:30)

That is true. When i had my Pheidole pallidula there where like 2 queens and 10 workers. The first day i put the tube in there sand nest and 2 days after they where gone. Did not see them for a few moths and now they are a very big colony. ;)